Recommendations for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, including extra-genital sites.

mediciNe & HeAltH/RHode islANd Chlamydia traChomatis (Ct) And Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the two most common reportable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Adolescent girls (15 to19 years of age) and young women (20 to 24 years of age) are at highest risk for these infections. This likely reflects a combination of factors, including biological differences that place females at greater risk for STIs than males, as well as higher screening rates among young women. Similarly, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhea due to higher rates of unsafe sexual behaviors. Clinicians should be aware of current screening recommendations and diagnostic methods for detection of gonorrhea and chlamydia in genital as well as extra-genital sites to address this prevailing epidemic, particularly among younger women and MSM.